The National Book Review's decision to include "E-Books" in it's yearly
competition for the best of the best, seems pedantic at best.  To 
submit for consideration, one must poney up a $100 entry fee, and be 
suggested by an "established" publisher.  Furthermore, the "E-Book" 
must be submitted in a bound print matter, extending the already deep 
chasm between the Old School and the budding contributor.

(For decades, I have tried to publish my varied works to no avail.  
This while being constantly assailed by unimportant, incompetent drivel, 
hacked across editorial tables, and into the pages of this commercial
world.  Perhaps my work is not top-quality, or timely, or more likely 
it's too angry for most, but my need to publish is also less money 
driven and derives more from a "soap-box" passion.  The Internet has given
me my first chance at publishing, and its going fine!) 

The promise of Internet Publishing, that of a level playing field for 
the scions and the Grandmasters of intellectual property, has yet to 
consumate the relationship between creative idealism and the community 
of the modern world.

These internet "E-Book" authors wear many faces.  From frustrated, 
unpublished dilettantes (such as myself), to angry prophets (again, 
like myself), descrying the horrors of our selfish world, to self-help 
gurus with promises of wealth, health and success, to renderers of pure 
genius.  

Some minor success with dubious experiments, such as Stephen King's 
"Riding The Bullet", have only proved the capitalistic value of the new
medium.  Unfortunately we are still beset by the "money" factor.  Is a
book well-written because it sells well, or does a book sell well 
because it is well-written?  For me the answer is neither.

Most books sell well today, because of artificial promotion.  Very few 
people seem interested in anything outside their particular "tunnel 
vision".  Books are hawked like patent medicines daily on television, 
radio, and yes, even the internet.  And none of these are declaimed as
"so-so", "2nd best", or "not for some tastes".

Media personalities, such as Oprah Winfrey, have become the new Snake 
Oil Salesmen.  The very nature of their position, gives them the ability
to steer public opinion and consumer choices.  To pick on Ms. Winfrey, 
she seems less concerned with literary merit, and more concerned with 
her personal agenda and paradigm.  The power of the press, or pen; has 
been supplanted by the power of the "cultural personality". 

Books, stories, essays, reviews, etc; are important enough to win 
awards, only when they contribute some lasting import to the human 
condition, not because they will make a million in Hollywood. 
Insightful, literate scripts delving into the human psyche, or a new 
perspective into the "who", "what", "when", "where", and most 
importantly the "why", deserve mention when assessing merit.

Important books need to address the ages, not passing fads.  Let
children's books tickle the fancy.  This is their rightful niche and 
they often do this amazingly well. 

I do not suggest that only non-fiction technical tomes, blue-printing 
the rise and fall of some-such, or some-other, are the only candidates 
for consideration.  Au contraire!  When an author can interest the 
reader, entice the explorer, thrill the seeker, and impress wonder and 
awe into his audience; it is then he should be remembered.  Books that 
imbue the reader with a love of reading, a desire, a curiosity; these 
are the important works.  These are the canon.  These are what Man 
leaves for those who come after.  These are our elegys.

Though I dirge upon seeing the ultimate death of the printed work, 
perhaps due to the influence of the internet, perhaps because of the 
impatience of our community as a whole; I rejoice at the option of 
publishing my work for all the world to see!  Perhaps writing is 
ultimately more driven by ego, than economics.  Perhaps that is the 
way it should be...  

Short Bio:

Raised in upstate New York, I have traveled widely throughout the US, 
sampling the wares extant.  I have seen much.  Endured more.  My well-worn 
Soapbox still lends me support, and despite my infirmities, I am not averse 
to stepping up to the milling throng, and engaging in verbal combat.

Wayne "The Wizard of Odd" Brown
1B 16 Mallory Street
Corinth, New York 12822
USA
(518)654-9697